Gammapilot – Endress+Hauser Radiometric Level Measurement

Radiometric level measurement devices are specially designed solutions for the most extreme measurement conditions, where conventional measurement principles cannot be applied due to high temperatures, high pressures, corrosive media, or complex tank structures.

The radiometric measurement system uses a gamma radiation source and the Gammapilot receiver from Endress+Hauser, enabling continuous level measurement, point level detection, density, and interface measurement—all without contact—ensuring high reliability and safety.

Thanks to its ability to measure from outside the tank or pipe, the device is unaffected by pressure, temperature, gas bubbles, dust, or buildup, delivering stable measurement values under all operating conditions.

Measuring Principle of Radiometric Level Measurement

The principle of radiometric measurement is based on the attenuation of gamma rays as they pass through a material:

• • The gamma radiation source (Cesium-137 or Cobalt-60) is housed in a source container, emitting a focused gamma ray beam directed toward the receiver.
  • As the product level in the tank changes, the amount of gamma ray absorption also changes accordingly.
  • The Gammapilot receiver detects changes in radiation intensity, analyzes them, and converts the data into signals representing level, density, or the interface between two liquid phases.

The system consists of three main components:

1. 1. 1. Radioactive source (gamma source)
      2. Source container with manual or pneumatic on/off capability, integrated with a safety lock
      3. Transmitter (Gammapilot) receives signals and transmits data to the control system.

This is a completely non-contact measurement method, ensuring absolute safety for operators.

Advantages of Radiometric Level Measurement

• • Non-contact measurement – absolute safety: The device is installed outside the tank, with no direct contact with the process media.
  • Stable operation in harsh conditions: Reliable measurement in environments with high temperature, high pressure, corrosion, dust, foam, or strong vibrations.
  • Versatile: A single system can perform four measurements – continuous level, point level, density, and interface.
  • High safety: The source container features a special design with mechanical or pneumatic locks, ensuring strict control of radiation.
  • Maintenance-free: No moving parts, no wear and tear, no need for frequent calibration.

 Applications of Radiometric Level Measurement

Radiometric level measurement devices are widely applied in heavy industries that demand high safety and reliability:

• • Oil and petrochemical industry: Level measurement in storage tanks, distillation towers, or areas with high pressure and temperature.
  • Cement and metallurgy industry: Level measurement of materials in kilns, clinker silos, or coal storage.
  • Chemical industry: Monitoring levels in reactors with corrosive or hazardous substances, storage tanks, or separators
  • Waste treatment and energy industry: Measuring sludge density and liquid–solid interface in settling tank systems.

Radiometric level measurement devices offer a non-contact, safe, and accurate solution, ideal for processes where all other measurement principles face limitations. With advanced technology from Endress+Hauser, the Gammapilot and Source Container product lines deliver superior accuracy, high reliability, and absolute safety – enabling businesses to operate smoothly, optimize costs, and comply with international safety standards.

At the Vietnamese market, NK Engineering provides a comprehensive measurement solution for customers – from handling the import licensing of radioactive sources to transporting the radioactive sources to the user’s plant. They also carry out installation and calibration of the radiometric devices to ensure quick and smooth commissioning.

Portfolio of Endress+Hauser Radiometric Level Measurement

Installation of Radiometric Level Measurement

Radiometric Level Measurement Device Gammapilot FMG50

Radiometric Level Measurement Device Gammapilot FMG60 at the Petrochemical Refinery Plant

Gamma Radiation Source FSG60 at the Waste-to-Energy Plant

Radiometric Level Measurement Device at the Oil & Gas Plant

References: Endress+Hauser Radiometric Level Measurement